Us Congress Senate Bill SB4314

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/24
• Refer: 5/9/24

Caption

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

Impact

By creating the National Roadway Safety Advocate role, SB4314 seeks to improve how the DOT addresses roadway safety concerns and stakeholder feedback. The advocate will be required to submit annual reports that highlight systemic issues related to roadway safety and recommend remedies. This shift in the DOT's operational approach aims to ensure that the voices of those directly impacted by roadway conditions are heard and considered in policy discussions and decisions.

Summary

SB4314, also known as the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act, aims to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate within the Department of Transportation (DOT). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a liaison between the DOT and stakeholders, which include victims and survivors of road crashes and their family members. This advocate will document and communicate stakeholder recommendations and concerns regarding roadway safety, thereby working to enhance the communication between the Department and the community impacted by road safety issues.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to enhance roadway safety advocacy, there are limitations set on the National Roadway Safety Advocate's authority. For instance, the advocate is prohibited from providing legal advice, making Department decisions, creating policies, or interfering with existing laws and regulations. Critics may argue that these limitations could hinder the effectiveness of the advocate, as the role may not have sufficient power to initiate changes within the Department. Furthermore, there could be concerns about how well the advocate can represent stakeholder needs under these constraints.